A Couple Random Questions

[joephippen]

I'm sure I'll have more questions later, but mainly I'm wondering two things:

1. I've been hearing from people that it would be a good idea to order some boots to take to OCS so that I can have some that will already be broken in. Where is a good place (and what kind of boot) to order?

2. I'm a Junior set to graduate after the Fall semester of 2009, so I have two summers left and will consequently go to two 6 week courses, the first one being this (2008) summer. I'm looking at the Tuition assistance but I'm not clear what the obligation is with that. At first I was under the impression that it would get knocked off your time in service; then doing some more looking around it seems that it just adds two years to your contract. Which one is it? If it counts against time in service, then the extra year of time in service would be worth more in the long run than the stipend that you can get in college. However, if it's just a simple addition on two years on your contract, then it would be dumb to not take the tuition assistance because I'm planning on doing a career in the military anyway.

Any input from those of you that have walked this path before?

Thanks,

-Joe

[OCSBound2009]

Hey man,
I can't really help you with the first question on the breaking in of the boots, but one piece of advice I can give is to buy a pair of new Khaki's and Dress Boots for your Libo at OCS. I saw the videos on the Marine Corps Times website and one candidate caught a nice thrashing for his Shyte boots he was wearing, and another got busted for being out of uniform(or proper attire, something like that).

Secondly,
One of my best friends, Will Oliver, will be attending OCS this summer in the 10 week PLC program. He is receiving TA and Pay over our senior year I believe without any extension on his contract. Now we are already facing longer commitments for contracting as Naval Aviators, but it shouldn't matter for him or you if there is because like you said, your "life'ing it" anyways. Good luck at OCS this summer and if you see Will ya'll keep each other Motovated. And if you see me in the following summer of 09 lets do the same. Best of luck!
-Wiggins

[Vulture6]

Gentlemen - first, good luck at OCS. Go there in shape and keep your sense of humor. I've posted a few "sticky" threads here about what to expect and how to prepare.

Now, about TA & Pay and all that... I'm sure it's changed since I was in OCS or worked with candidates. So, my advice is ask your OSO. They have the latest scoop on how it all works and what your commitments are.

As far as boots -- Again, I'd check with your OSO or ask them for contact info for one of their other candidates who went through PLC Junior last summer. That person will have the best scoop.

When I went through OCS (and it's been a while...) we had a very specific geal list on what to take and what not to take. Anything that you brought that wasn't specifically on the gear list was either shit-canned or locked up until the first libo. That may have changed, so again, ask your OSO for another candidate to talk to. Once you link up with another candidate who has been there, have them join up on this site too and share the wealth.


Here's the main things to know going into OCS:

1. Everything is a test to see how you react, and I mean everything. You are always being evaluated. We give you conflicting instructions and leave you alone to see what you do, then tell you that you made the wrong choice. We rush you from point A to point B and then leave you standing in the sun unsupervised (but not unobserved). We give you 20 minutes to accomplish a task that requires an hour, and watch what you do. When we tell you that you've failed at a task, we watch your response to that too. Like I said EVERYTHING is a test.

2. Since it is all voluntary, they can't apply the same stress tools as they do at boot camp, so they do it through PT and by putting you in situations that either don't have a viable solution or are just completely "Mickey Mouse" just to see how you react.

3. Teamwork is essential. We're looking for leaders, not a lone wolf.

4. PT -- especially if you're a football player (Wiggins) is vastly different from what you may be expecting. Run, alot. Add in a lot of body weight exercises and cross-training. Once you're done with football, step away from the barbells and the heavy weights.

5. Hygiene -- sounds simple, but all those scrapes and cuts that you get can VERY EASILY get infected, and that can bounce you out of training. Be sure to wash cuts and scrapes thoroughly -- you really need to pay attention to that stuff while you're there.

REMEMBER -- the goal is not to make you Marines. If you want that experience, then go to Parris Island or San Diego.

The goal is to make you LEADERS OF MARINES.